Wildlife tourism is an increasingly important source of foreign exchange for developing countries, while in the industrial world revenues from birdwatching run into hundreds of millions. Birds are hunted for recreation and subsistence, their eggs harvested, their feathers used in traditional ceremonies. Birds are also recognised as one of the most important indicators of the state of the environment. This book provides many examples of the value of birds as socio-economic resources and bio-indicators, while never losing sight of their intrinsic value.  Crammed with bracing counter-arguments to those who see conservation as indifferent or hostile to human interests.

The Value of Birds

Science & Math

Diamond, AW

Filion, FL

Biological Sciences

BirdLife International

Thailand has been described as a ""zoogeographic crossroads"", with an avifauna that comprises Sino-Himalayan, Indo-Burmese, Indo-Chinese and Sundaic elements. The great majority of resident landbirds occur in forests. This book reviews the status of 595 resident birds in relation to remaining forest cover and current conservation measures, and identifies those sites which, in terms of species richness, are key areas for forest bird conservation in Thailand.  ""Where to go to find birds, and what conditions the observer can expect"" - Wilson Bulletin.  ""An extremely thorough yet readable book, which sets a very high standard"" - Ibis.  ""If only every country in Asia had a Philip Round then every bird conservation organization would know exactly where to start. For those who have been to Thailand, plan to go or just want to increase their knowledge of the birds, this book is essential"" - World Pheasant Association.

Resident Forest Birds in Thailand: Their Status and Conservation

Round, PD

An output of the ICBP Island Database, this first monograph in a new series documents islands which harbour endemic bird species.

Biodiversity and Conservation in the Caribbean

Johnson, TH

An examination of the management of disease in the conservation of rare species, by an international panel of experts. One paper discusses the role of wild birds in the long distance dispersal of diseases, including avian influenza. The appendices include a list of laboratories and reference centres, and an outline of health screening techniques. 
 ""A useful aid to those working on endangered species and wildlife disease in general"" - Avian Pathology.

Disease and Threatened Birds

Cooper, JE

Originally published as a supplement to ICBP/BirdLife's Status and Conservation of the World's Seabirds, this book can be used independently. Chapter by chapter, regional and national experts provide status and site information on the seabirds of Canada, Baja California, Brazil and Uruguay, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Bering Sea, Sea of Okhotsk and Sea of Japan, and Antarctica. 
 ""This excellent volume treats areas which have received little attention in the past"" - Ibis.

Seabird Status and Conservation

Croxall, JP

Biodiversity and conservation in Tumbesian Ecuador and Peru

Best, Brinley

The Middle East contains some of the largest wetland, steppe desert and marine ecosystems in the world, providing habitats for more than 800 species of bird, of which more than 60 are endemic. This book identifies and describes the 391 sites most important for the conservation of these birds and other biodiversity. Maps, tables and line drawings show site locations, species and population data. The whole Middle East is covered, from the Levant and Arabia to the West Himalayas.  The only book of its kind, Important Bird Areas in the Middle East is currently being used by conservationists developing systems of site protection in Iraq and Afghanistan.  ""Its usefulness to conservationists cannot be overstated"" - Birding World.  ""An essential tool for decision makers in the Middle East, but will also become an invaluable guide for visiting birdwatchers"" - Species.

Important Bird Areas in the Middle East

Evans, MI

Key Areas for Threatened Birds in the Neotropics

Wege, DC

Long, AJ

More than a quarter of bird species are concentrated in areas that together make up just one per cent of the earth's land surface. These restricted range species include almost three-quarters of all threatened birds. BirdLife International has identified 218 Endemic Bird Areas (EBAs), which hold at least two restricted range species, although some support more than 60. EBAs provide a reasonable overlap with the biodiversity hotspots identified by other conservation organisations, and are a focus for conservation action. At the heart of this book are descriptions of all 218 EBAs, including key habitats, major threats and conservation initiatives and a detailed map. Tables list the restricted-range bird species present, with their global status, habitat requirements and distribution. Introductory sections present global and regional overviews. The authors discuss the wider conservation relevance of EBAs, including why birds are good indicators of biodiversity, and how EBAs can be used effectively to influence policy-makers. 'A comprehensive overview of the regions of the world that support the vast majority of our imperilled and vulnerable birds' - "Birding". 'Will be mined extensively for years by those studying global patterns of biodiversity' - "The Quarterly Review of Biology". 'The ultimate guide to range-restricted birds. Conservation managers, ecologists and birders alike will want to own this unprecedented work' - "Conservation Biology". 'The ultimate 'where to watch birds" - "BBC Wildlife".

Endemic Bird Areas of the World (Birdlife Conservation Series)

Alison J. Stattersfield

Michael J. Crosby

Adrian J. Long

David C. Wege

At least 63 percent of the world's raptors migrate. Raptor Watch, compiled from contributions by over 800 observers worldwide, is a guide to 388 hotspots where these birds can be seen in their thousands. A repository of information for the specialist, this book is also a strategy document enabling conservationists working at the local and national level to cooperate globally to protect raptor migration networks.  ""The most geographically complete reference list yet on hawk migration. A great starting place for anyone interested in witnessing or studying hawk migration anywhere in the World"" - Birding (October 2001).  ""A milestone in raptor migration science"" - Ibis 143 (2001).

Raptor Watch: A Global Directory of Raptor Migration Sites

Bildstein, Keith L.

Zalles, Jorje I

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Books by BirdLife International